Sanford Bemidji and Bagley has new visitor restrictions effective today. According to a release, only one visitor will be allowed per patient for their entire hospital stay. Patients will need to choose one person who will be allowed to visit as often as needed during the stay during established visitor hours. Visitors must always properly…
D-S Beverages recently made a $12,000 donation to the Sanford Health Foundation of Northern Minnesota. According to a release, the generous donation was made possible through D-S Beverages’ October pink beer sales and pay it forward program. The donation is in support of the Edith Sanford Breast Center, and will enhance patient navigation and care…
As Minnesota prepares for a four-week “pause” on gatherings and social activities, Gov. Tim Walz hosted another press conference Thursday afternoon, which featured many medical providers. CEO of Allina Health Dr. Penny Wheeler said that this pause will give health care workers the reprieve they need to take care of Minnesotans. The latest restrictions go…
The Minnesota Department of Health is marking Infant Safe Sleep Week in Minnesota by encouraging parents to know the ABCs of safe sleep and to be aware of the risks of COVID-19. Unsafe sleep environments account for nearly all unexpected infant deaths. In 2018, of the 51 infants that died unexpectedly in Minnesota, 45 of…
Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and Sanford Bagley Medical Center announced visitor restrictions will be in effect today at their respective campuses, due to the recent, sustained increase in COVID-19 cases in the Bemidji area. “This situation is very serious, and we need our community and region to act now,” said Dr. Colleen Swank, pediatrician and…
Sanford Heatlh and Intermountain Healthcare announced Monday a plan to merge, which would create a healthcare network that spans seven states in the Rocky Mountain area as well as the Upper Midwest. According to a release, thecombined organization is anticipated to employ over 89,000 people, and operate 70 hospitals and 435 clinics, many in rural…
MDH announced Thursday that in-home saliva testing kits will be piloted in two dozen counties and tribal nations across the state, and Beltrami County, the Red Lake Nation, and Itasca County are among the pilot areas. According to a release, residents in these areas will be able to order a testing kit online, where it…
Three north-central Minnesota agencies have been awarded grant dollars to support people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. According to a release from the Minnesota Board on Aging, an estimated 97,000 Minnesotans have Alzheimer’s disease, which is projected to increase by nearly 25 percent to 120,000 by 2025. Northwoods Caregivers of Bemidji was awarded…
Sanford Bemidji will offer drive-up flu vaccines by appointment this fall. According to a release, these drive-up vaccines are available through Nov. 1, and patients should call 333-4710 to make an appointment. “With COVID-19 and influenza sharing similar symptoms—fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, chills and muscle aches—it is more important than ever that we…
Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College received a $120,000 grant to expand mental health services to students. According to a release, a 2018 survey of Minnesota college students found more than 40 percent reported mental health issues and 55 percent indicated that these mental health issues impacted their academic performance. Travis Greene, associate vice…
